Pat did 76 miles today making a grand total of 420 miles. He says he took the wimp's route this morning avoiding the steep Stiperstones. But the road was undulating and there was a strong headwind in the morning so cycling was hard work. We met up for bread and cheese and fruit (bought by me at Craven Arms) in a tiny village called Melverley which has the most exquisite little church. There has been a small wooden church on that site since the 11th century. It had a very welcoming feel and a little book where you could write prayer requests. I asked for prayer for the travellers and left a GRCT card! While having our picnic we met the conservative candidate for the council elections and had a chat. We swopped leaflets!!
The wind died down in the afternoon as Pat dipped in and out of various counties and rode through a short shower. We visited Shropshire , Cheshire and Wales today! I fitted in a brief visit to the Abbey in Shrewsbury where Wilfred Owen that wonderful First World War poet is remembered on the memorial in the church.
Our Band B in Bucknell was a curious place; a 15th century rambling, ramshackle, rickety cottage with loose floorboards , a rusty claw-legged bathtub with dubious plumbing,yards of dusty net curtaining and more knick knacks than one could count! Run by Klaus, it was a very eccentric establishment, but fortunately had a clean and comfortable bed. We had our best night yet. We are staying on a Cheshire farm now which has such a beautiful garden. I arrived here a couple of hours before Pat and have had a pleasant walk and have enjoyed taking pictures of the pretty garden and countryside. And the sweet elderly landlady has been so kind allowing me to do a wash and tumble dry. A real boon when you are in a different place every night.
Our car has suffered a few bumps/dents enroute. It was reversed into a very, very low wall (guess by whom!) and was reversed into by the daughter of one of the B and B owners. The bicycle is doing much better and proving to be a trusty steel steed. And the back up is doing much better too now that she is using Sat Nav. Didn't get lost today!
Think of us tomorrow as we drive through Merseyside leaving green pastures behind us.
You are doing a wonderful job of keeping us in the picture Penny. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as if you are meeting all sorts of kind and interesting people en route.
Keep up the good riding Pat.
God bless and keep you both safe.
Lots of love
Peter and Shell